Sheathing A Roof Layout

Roof sheathing attaches to the surface of the rafters or trusses to form the structural skin of the roof.

Sheathing a roof layout.

Sheath one slope of the roof at a time ripping the top course to the needed width at the ridge. This video shows how some roofs fail under heavy winds in uplift situations. Roof sheathing panel spacing hints. The connection between the roof sheathing and the structure is a vulnerable point that is known to fail during a hurricane.

During a hurricane the strength of the sheathing on the roof can greatly impact the homes ability to weather the storm. Spacer type panel edge clips are available from some manufacturers. A good sheathing job begins with proper rafter layout. Roof sheathing is a lot more than just flat panels onto which shingles are attached.

When one slope is completely sheathed pop a chalk line down any slope edge as in a hip roof that needs to be cut at an angle. Keep these tips in mind when roofing in hurricane areas. But laying out the rafters isn t as simple as duplicating the stud layout on the wall below. To minimize waste and to simplify cutting the sheathing courses should begin either with full or half sheets.

The roof s sheathing helps to keep the roof trusses or rafters properly spaced and is the strength that holds.